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Whanganui, New Zealand

Manawatu-Wanganui · New Zealand

Whanganui is a mid-size city in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand with a population of 48,900. Elevation: 59 ft (18 m). Average temperature: 56°F (13°C).

1.6 /5.0
D Poor
48,900 Population 53,152/sq mi density
59 ft Elevation 18 meters
56°F Avg Temperature 13°C
40.7 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$17,760 Median Income
D
Overall
1.6 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.1 / 5.0
$17,760 median income, 8.2% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$187,200 home value, $936/mo rent

Discover Whanganui, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

People

Population48,900
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density53,152/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$17,760
Per Capita$17,760
Unemployment8.2%

Housing

F
Home Value$187,200
Rent$936
Ownership41.3%
Housing Units19,560

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain40.7 in/yr
Sunny Days262/yr
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Population48,900
Population Density53,152 / sq mi
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Coordinates-39.9333°, 175.0500°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceManawatu-Wanganui
Average Temperature56°F (13°C)
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average47°F (8°C)
Annual Precipitation40.7 inches (1,033 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$17,760
Median Age38.3 years

About Whanganui

Whanganui is a mid-size city in New Zealand (Manawatu-Wanganui) with a population of 48,900. The city sits at an elevation of 59 feet (18 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 56°F (13°C). Temperatures range from 64°F in January to 47°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 40.7 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Whanganui has a population of 48,900 with a density of 53,152 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

48,900
Total Population
53,152
People / sq mi
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below New Zealand avg
0.9mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Whanganui vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Whanganui is $17,760, which is 76% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $342, 76% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 4,499 business establishments.

Income: Whanganui vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$17,760
76% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$17,760
Avg Weekly Wage$342

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.2%
128% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)4,499

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Whanganui is $187,200, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $936 (20% below the national average of $1,163). 41.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 19,560 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$187,200
34% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$936
20% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership41.3%
Owner-Occupied41.3%
Renter-Occupied58.7%
Housing Units19,560

Property Tax

Climate in Whanganui

Whanganui has an average annual temperature of 14.2°C (58°F). The hottest month is Jan (18.2°C), the coldest is Aug (10.4°C). Average annual precipitation is 1235 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 18.2°C / 65°F 11.6° / 25.2° 67.3
Feb 18.2°C / 65°F 10.9° / 25.3° 111.6
Mar 16.7°C / 62°F 9.7° / 23.7° 83.7
Apr 15°C / 59°F 8.7° / 21.9° 73.7
May 13.2°C / 56°F 6.6° / 19.2° 101.0
Jun 11.5°C / 53°F 6° / 16.5° 111.6
Jul 10.7°C / 51°F 5.1° / 15.9° 118.4
Aug 10.4°C / 51°F 3.9° / 15.8° 115.7
Sep 11.4°C / 52°F 5.3° / 17.3° 123.7
Oct 12.9°C / 55°F 5.6° / 19.9° 95.8
Nov 14.9°C / 59°F 8.7° / 20.8° 111.9
Dec 16.9°C / 62°F 10.5° / 22.8° 121.0
Whanganui enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 47°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 262 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 59 feet.

Temperature

64°F Jan (18°C) 47°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average55.8°F
3% above New Zealand avg
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average47°F (8°C)
Sunny Days262 days/yr

Geography

Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Area0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²)
Population Density53,152/sq mi
Coordinates-39.9333°N, 175.0500°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 40.7"
7% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.94"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.56"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,329 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M4.9 on Jul 30, 2025.

May 13, 1990 39 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.4 95 km
Feb 19, 1990 41 km E of Palmerston North, New Zealand M6.3 101 km
Jul 3, 2012 63 km S of Opunake, New Zealand M6.3 111 km
Jan 20, 2014 35 km NNE of Masterton, New Zealand M6.1 104 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 141 km
Sep 19, 1995 15 km SW of Hawera, New Zealand M5.8 80 km
Jan 12, 2022 22 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.7 81 km
Apr 11, 1993 28 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.7 129 km
Feb 15, 2023 55 km NW of Raumati Beach, New Zealand M5.7 82 km
Sep 8, 1991 29 km WSW of Bulls, New Zealand M5.6 35 km
May 24, 2020 29 km WNW of Foxton, New Zealand M5.6 50 km
Oct 15, 2001 21 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.5 136 km
Mar 2, 1992 63 km N of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.5 120 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 122 km
Sep 25, 1996 57 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.4 83 km
Apr 25, 2023 37 km E of Dannevirke, New Zealand M5.4 131 km
Jul 15, 2009 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 126 km
Mar 13, 2005 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 128 km
Jun 9, 1991 38 km SSW of Patea, New Zealand M5.4 59 km
Sep 24, 2001 67 km NNE of Castlepoint, New Zealand M5.4 133 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

6 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1931 N. NEW ZEALAND Eruption + Earthquake 15.0 m 261 85 km
1855 NORTHERN ISLAND Earthquake 11.0 m 147 km
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 123 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m 145 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m 132 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown 123 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Ruapehu (85 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 85 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 100 km
Taranaki Stratovolcano 2,518 m (8,261 ft) 1800 110 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 148 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 190 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 64°F (18°C) 3.0 in Warmest
February 64°F (18°C) 2.6 in Driest
March 62°F (17°C) 3.2 in
April 57°F (14°C) 3.0 in
May 52°F (11°C) 3.9 in
June 49°F (9°C) 3.9 in Wettest
July 47°F (8°C) 3.9 in Coldest
August 49°F (9°C) 3.5 in
September 52°F (11°C) 3.5 in
October 55°F (13°C) 3.5 in
November 58°F (14°C) 3.2 in
December 61°F (16°C) 3.6 in

Whanganui has a seasonal temperature swing of 17°F / from 47°F in July to 64°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 40.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.6").

View full weather details →

Colleges & Universities in Whanganui

Institution Type Founded Website
Universal College of Learning [UCOL] College

Schools in Whanganui

36 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Atihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi
Keith Street School
Mosston School
Gonville School
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tupoho
Brunswick School
Durie Hill School
Tawhero School
St Mary's School
YMCA Community Centre / NZICPA Simulation and Ground Training Centre
Faith City School
Westmere Primary School
Okoia School
St George's School
Arahunga School
St Anthony's School
St Dominic's College
Arahunga School
Aranui School
Whanganui Girls' College
Whanganui East School
Churton School
Saint John's Hill School
Whanganui Intermediate School
Cullinane College
Whanganui Collegiate School
Kaitoke School
Saint Anne's School
Castlecliff School
Saint Marcellin School
Te Kura o Kokohuia
Carlton School
Whanganui High School
Rutherford Junior High School
Whanganui City College
Upokongaro School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Whanganui

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Brian FM 91.2 Whanganui NZ AAC 128 kbps
Brian FM 91.2 Wanganui NZ AAC 128 kbps
AWA FM community radio, iwi AAC 63 kbps

Museums in Whanganui

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics
Sarjeant on the Quay
Wanganui Riverboat Centre
Whanganui Regional Museum
Whanganui Tramways Museum and Tramshed

Libraries in Whanganui

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Alexander Heritage & Research Library0.0
Davis Central City Library0.0
Gonville Library0.0

Hotels in Whanganui

3 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Burwood Manor Motel
Kingsgate Hotel
The Grand Hotel

Restaurants in Whanganui

19 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Caroline's Boatshed Bar and Eatery
Castlecliff Club Family Restaurant
Elms Restaurant
Japanese Kitchen WA
La Quattro
Liffiton Castle Restaurant
Mint
Momiji
Mud Ducks
Pizza Hut
Red Lion
Spice Guru
Spicy Fair Indian
Stellar Restaurant and Bar
Tasty Indian Restaurant & Bar
Thai Villa Restaurant
The Brick House Restaurant & Function Centre
The Hungry Bear
Tokyo Roll Black

Cafes in Whanganui

15 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cactus Creme Cafe
Cafe Anatolia Turkish Cuisine
Café Windermere
Cafe' 4forty4
Fitzies Cafe
Little Curious
Mischief Cafe
Orange Cafe & Bar
Parnells Cafe
Pukekos Nest Cafe
South Beach Cafe
Springvale Cafe
The Citadel
Virginia Lake Cafe
Yellow House Cafe

Cinemas in Whanganui

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Embassy 3 Cinema

Theatres in Whanganui

3 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Prince Edward Auditorium
Royal Whanganui Opera House
Whanganui Repertory Theatre

Clinics in Whanganui

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cancer Society New Zealand
MSM Pain Clinic

Dentists in Whanganui

3 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cliff Dental
Dental Care New Zealand Limited
Dentist on Glasgow

Veterinaries in Whanganui

2 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

First Vets
Vets on Carlton

Gas Stations in Whanganui

12 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP
BP
BP
Caltex
Caltex
Challenge!
Gull
NZ #1412988762
PAK'nSAVE Fuel
Waitomo
Z
Z London Street

Banks in Whanganui

5 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

ANZ
ASB Bank
Kiwibank
Westpac
Westpac

Shopping Malls in Whanganui

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Trafalgar Square

Golf Courses in Whanganui

3 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Castlecliff Golf Course
Tawhero Golf Club
Wanganui Golf Club

Breweries in Whanganui

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Lads Brewing Company

Stadiums & Teams in Whanganui

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Whanganui

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Tūroa Ski Area 0.0 $0
Tukino Skifield 0.0 $0
Whakapapa Ski Area 0.0 $0

Airports Near Whanganui

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Palmerston North AirportPMRMedium Airport
RNZAF Base OhakeaOHAMedium Airport
Wanganui AirportWAGMedium Airport
Feilding AirportSmall Airport
Foxpine AerodromeSmall Airport
Stratford AirportSmall Airport
Taihape AirportSmall Airport
Waiouru AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Whanganui

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
DX Mail
Paper Plus Wanganui

Churches & Religious Organizations in Whanganui

46 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
All Saints Anglican Church
Christ Church
Christ Church Anglican Church
Clifflife
Elim Worship Centre
Equippers Church
Exclusive Brethren Church
Faith City Church
Gonville Baptist Church
Gonville Gospel Chapel
Harrison Street Community Church
Holy Family Church
Ingestre Street Bible Church
Kingdom Hall of Jehova's Witnesses
Masjid e Bilal - Wanganui Islamic Centre
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church
Quaker Settlement
Reformed Church of Wanganui
Reformed Church of Whanganui
Rivercity Assembly of God
Riverside Christian Church
Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church
Saint Annes Catholic Church
Saint Chads Anglican Church
Saint James Presbyterian Church
Saint Josephs Chapel
Saint Laurences Anglican Church
Saint Lukes Anglican Church
Saint Marys Catholic Church
Saint Oswalds Church
Saint Pauls Presbyterian Church
St Anthony's
St John's Anglican Church
St Paul’s Memorial Church, Putiki
St Peter's
St. Paul's Memorial Church Putiki
Te Puna Wai Ora
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Trinity Methodist Church
Wanganui Central Baptist Church
Wanganui Seventh Day Adventist Church
Wanganui Wesleyan Church
Westmere Presbyterian Memorial Church
Whanganui East Baptist Church
Whanganui Hospital Chapel
Whanganui Masonic Centre

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

Things to See Near Whanganui

11 places within 15 km

⚱️ Archaeological Sites (2)
  • • Kaiwhaiki Pā
  • • Waitaha Pā
🕳️ Caves (1)
  • • Strachan's Cave
🖼️ Galleries (2)
  • • NZ Glassworks - Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao
  • • Whanganui Arts @ the Centre
⛰️ Peaks (4)
  • • Kaiatea
  • • Mount Jackson
  • • Table Hill
  • • Waipakura
🌄 Viewpoints (2)
  • • Kauri View Point
  • • Mowhanau Lookout

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Whanganui.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whanganui

What is the population of Whanganui?

Whanganui has a population of 48,900 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 53,152 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years.

Is Whanganui expensive to live in?

The median household income is $17,760, 76% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $187,200 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $936 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Whanganui?

Whanganui enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 64°F in January, while summers reach an average of 47°F in July. The area receives 262 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.7 inches.

How is the job market in Whanganui?

The job market in Whanganui faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $342. There are 4,499 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Whanganui?

The median home value in Whanganui is $187,200. For renters, the median monthly rent is $936. The homeownership rate is 41.3%.

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